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Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Varenna

4.8 (18)
Varenna, IT
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Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Varenna

4.8 (18)
Varenna, IT
Share
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Experience the true taste of Varenna with this immersive cooking class and meal at a local's home. Let an expert Italian home cook guide you through the secrets of the most iconic dishes of Varenna cuisine, teaching you authentic recipes passed down through generations. With a fully equipped workstation and all the ingredients you need, you'll learn how to create a starter, fresh pasta, and a local dessert. And the best part? You get to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor with a selection of local wines. This experience is brought to you by Cesarine, Italy's oldest network of home cooks and wine experts, ensuring an authentic and memorable culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in Italy's culture through its food and create unforgettable memories in Varenna.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Suitable for 1-10 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Immerse in a private cooking class at a local's home
  • Learn the secrets of famous Varenna dishes
  • Taste the fruit of your labour for lunch or dinner
  • Accompanied by local wine
  • Authentic culinary experience with passionate hosts
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Learn and taste 3 Italian recipes (starter, fresh pasta and dessert)
  • Hands-on cooking class

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More about this experience

Introduction

Indulge in an authentic Italian culinary experience with the Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Varenna. This activity allows you to immerse yourself in Italy's rich culture and traditions by participating in a hands-on cooking class held in a local home. Led by an expert Italian home cook, you will learn the secrets of preparing the most iconic dishes of Varenna. And the best part? You get to taste the fruits of your labor during a delightful lunch or dinner, accompanied by local wines.

What to expect?

During this private cooking class, you can anticipate learning the techniques and recipes of three mouthwatering Varenna specialties, including a starter, a fresh pasta dish, and a local dessert. Equipped with a fully stocked workstation, utensils, and ingredients, you will receive guidance from your local host, who will share their family's culinary traditions passed down through generations. Expect an immersive experience that allows you to step into the shoes of an Italian home cook and gain valuable insight into their cultural heritage.

Who is this for?

The Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Varenna is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic and intimate culinary experience in Italy. Whether you're a passionate foodie looking to expand your knowledge of Italian cuisine or a traveler with a keen interest in immersing yourself in local traditions, this activity is tailored to suit your needs. It is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who appreciate the charm of cooking together and sharing a meal in a warm, familial atmosphere.

Why book this?

By booking this cooking class and meal experience, you will have the opportunity to delve into the heart of Varenna's culinary heritage. Unlike other cooking classes, this activity takes place in a local's home, offering an authentic and personal touch. The Cesarine network, Italy's oldest and most trusted community of home cooks, ensures that you'll receive top-notch instruction from passionate hosts who genuinely care about sharing their culinary traditions with others. You'll not only learn how to prepare traditional dishes but also gain valuable insights into the local culture and way of life.

Good to know

It's important to note that this experience lasts for approximately 180 minutes, providing ample time for you to absorb the essence of Varenna's cuisine. The meeting and end point of the activity will be in the home of your Cesarina host. As this is a private experience, you will receive the host's address after booking, ensuring privacy and the opportunity for personalized matching based on your preferences. The inclusion of local wines during the meal enhances the overall experience, allowing you to savor the perfect combination of flavors.

Reviews

Customers who have indulged in the Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Varenna have raved about the authenticity and warmth they experienced. Many praised the hosts' knowledge and expertise, as well as the opportunity to learn traditional recipes from generations past. The overall consensus among reviewers is that this activity provides an unforgettable and immersive culinary adventure, offering a genuine taste of Varenna's culture. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other with the Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Varenna.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Reviews

(18)

4.8 (18)

Daniel_V

This cooking class was a phenominal experience . The local couple was so sweet, and made their home our home. They were incredibly welcoming and kind. We were late and they were so patient with us, and excited that we were able to make it. They were a joy to learn to cook with. Best part of the trip was gettting to know them and learning from them! I will add that if the email says “meeting point” it is wrong. Just take a taxi to the address that is provided after booking. Great experience and amazing food!!!

Y920FPpeterz

Great evening, Patrizia and Luca were very sympathetic hosts! We very much enjoyed the cooking, eating and the lively conversation. Can fully recommend.

JohnFleeman

Our host, Monica, was very pleasant and eager to make our class enjoyable. My wife is gluten-free and Monica purchased gluten-free flour so she could include gluten-free pasta from scratch as part of our class…and she had never used it before, so it was even a new experience for her. Her facility was in a space one might have considered only good for storage, but she had cleverly designed it as a full kitchen and dining area with a private bathroom as well as a gallery area where she displays some of her artwork. It was very cozy. The meal was great and we even got to meet another couple who were friends of hers and owned a shop in Varenna. We ended up going by the shop the next day and my wife purchased a necklace there. All in all, a fun experience that I would do again. My only criticism (and this might have been more of a Viator issue than the instructor) was that I was asked to fill out a fairly extensive questionnaire upon confirmation of our class and after I did so, I never heard anything again about our planned menu. We didn’t receive Monica’s contact information until a day or two before the class and she ended up having to make some last-minute adjustments to meet my wife’s gluten-free requirements. I don’t know if Viator didn’t pass on the questionnaire or if Monica forgot about it, but it was a little disconcerting to be asked to fill out the questionnaire and then have it appear that nobody looked at it. Fortunately, we did contact Monica in time to make everything work and all turned out well; but I was disappointed that there was still uncertainty right up to the day of the class.

juan_g

A most when in varenna. Patricia was just lovely and we prepared a delicious authentic lunch. Can't recommend enough

598jeanb

This cooking class was a highlight of our trip to Varenna. To spend time in the home of the chef, learning home made pasta, ricotta cheese and tiramisu, eating our creations in the garden overlooking Lake Como, drinking delicious wine…was an amazing experience. It was just 2 chefs and us 2. They told us about their lives and families. We told them about us and that we were in Varenna for a wedding. They even gave us a gift to give to the wedding couple. They were smart, and sweet and patient with our kneading of pasta. Be sure to allow plenty of time to get a taxi to her home. She is high up the mountain. We loved every minute of this experience.

Joya_C

Beautiful home! Loved learning how to make homemade ricotta, definitely puts store bought to shame!!

Justin_R

Canceled the event day prior. Offered another option about 5 miles away and no offer of transportation.

SueOst01

We had a spectacular time visiting, eating, and drinking with Antonietta and Paolo. We were invited to start the evening at 5:30pm. Driving there was FUN because of all the switchbacks to her home. We arrived and were greeted at the end of the driveway by a lovely lady. Her only instruction was, "when you are in my house, it is your house". Antonietta had rice balls and croquettes prepared for our arrival. Of course there was our choice of red or white wine! Sue helped prepare bruschetta and delicious zucchini roll-ups after we sat and visited for a bit. Then came the pasta making. Both Sue and Jim were taught how to make fresh pasta as well as tiramisu. For dinner we made spinach and cheese ravioli along with tagliatelle noodles. Just as we were ready to sit down to this fabulous meal, Paolo came home from work with their adorable dog, Athena. The four of us enjoyed a wonderful meal and FUN conversation. What ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL PEOPLE. Although we were able to finish the ravioli, we were all stuffed when it was time for the tagliatelle and tiramisu. So after almost five hours with this adorable family, were were sent home with leftovers that kept us happy for the next few days. If you want to spend a wonderful evening with amazing people, and learn how to make amazing food, we would HIGHLY recommend this experience. Thank you so much Antonietta and Paolo!!! You are still welcome at our home for Christmas dinner. :)

Jim_M

We were treated to a wonderful experience from Patrizia. It could not have been better. We gave her some requests when we made the reservation and she fulfilled them all. I highly recommend this to anyone. She does live several kilometers out of Varenna, but the view from her home high above the lake is beautiful. (You can get a taxi to take you there, or if you have a car, bring it across on the ferry.

Alex_G

What a great cooking class. Patrizia and Luca, were wonderful hosts. The preparation and dinner were fun. I felt like I was with my relatives. I recommend this class to everyone.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-26 22:38